Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that is characterized by fluctuations between periods of depression and periods of manic or hypomanic episodes. During a depressive episode, you may feel hopeless, fatigued, and empty. Life feels meaningless and daily activities become burdensome. During a manic or hypomanic episode, you experience an increase in energy and motivation. You may have intense feelings of euphoria, passion, and hope, or you may feel quite overwhelmed and irritable.

Bipolar disorder results in drastic shifts in mood, energy, thoughts, bodily sensations, and perceptions. These cycles can last for a period of days, weeks, or months. However, having bipolar disorder is NOT a barrier to living a positive, happy, and balanced life. Many people with this disorder are highly intelligent, intuitive, and successful people. Being diagnosed is not a life sentence. It just means learning how to adjust your lifestyle so that you can reach your full potential.

What are the signs of bipolar disorder?

During a manic episode:

Feelings of elation and high energy

Irritability

Increased impulsivity

Paranoia

Heightened motivation and hopefulness

Increased goal-oriented behavior

Feelings of euphoria or grandiosity

Increased sense of connection, peace, or spirituality

During a depressive episode:

Feelings of hopelessness

Exhaustion

Inability to experience joy or pleasure

Feelings of sadness and despair

Feeling that your future is bleak

Between episodes:

Constant fear and worry that another episode is on its way

Uncertainty about your emotional state

Feelings of anticipation or impending doom

Mistrust of your own perception of reality

We can help you:

Build willingness to cope with the disorder

Accept that the disorder is part of your life and that it is not a barrier to living a happy life